Radiology Coding Alert

Question: We performed an MRI for a knee and an ankle, both on the left leg. We have two separate reports. May we bill 73721-LT, 73721-LT-59?

New Mexico Subscriber

Answer: This may be appropriate, depending on your payer's preferences.

Note that 73721 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, any joint of lower extremity; without contrast material) states "any joint" in its descriptor, so reporting the code twice for two separate joints (knee, ankle) on the same leg is appropriate.

Whether appending LT (Left side) and 59 (Distinct procedural service) is appropriate depends on your payer's modifier preference.

Some coders report that their Medicare carriers prefer 76 (Repeat procedure by same physician) on the code, although the physician actually isn't performing a repeat procedure -- he's performing two different procedures. Be sure to get your payer's preference in writing.